Can India’s youngsters handle pressure against Pakistan without Rohit and Kohli?

India are all set to square off against age-old rivals Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, in match No. 6 of the 2025 Asia Cup, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. For the first time in over a decade, India will face Pakistan in a major multi-nation tournament without the legendary duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Both Rohit and Kohli retired from T20Is after helping India win the T20 World Cup last year. Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure also ended after the marquee event, and he was replaced by two-time Indian Premier League (IPL)-winning captain Gautam Gambhir. Under Gambhir's tenure, India have been in fine form in the shortest format of the game.

He has worked in tandem with T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and produced some impressive results for India. The way they have stuck to their conviction has been commendable. They have also given long ropes to the youngsters who have had to fill the big shoes of Kohli and Rohit. It becomes much easier for players to do well when their coach and captain give them an assurance about their places in the side.

Most of the youngsters who have been given opportunities in the Gambhir-Suryakumar era have managed to make lasting impressions. What has been good to see is that the players who have done well in the IPL have got opportunities. India are looking to have T20 specialists playing in the team.

The young Indian side has produced remarkable results, winning 16 of their last 20 T20Is since the 2024 T20 World Cup. They have confidence and momentum heading into the clash against Pakistan. In their opening encounter in the Asia Cup, India blew away the UAE, winning by nine wickets.

Will the youngsters be able to handle the pressure of IND-PAK match?

The young Indian players are accustomed to playing high-pressure matches. From a very young age, they have been playing against some of the best players in world cricket in packed stadiums in the IPL. The experience of playing in the cash-rich league has benefited many players over the years.

While the IPL doesn't compare to the pressure or importance of an India versus Pakistan clash, it does help cricketers prepare better for big occasions. Gambhir and Suryakumar are surely going to instil confidence in the players and urge them to express themselves against Salman Ali Agha and Co. India's strength lies in their fearless approach and that could be their mantra to success on Sunday.

However, it will be interesting to see how the Indian team deals with all the outside noise as many fans have called for a boycott, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.